Dominica Hamilton-Leathart

Most of us experience painful emotional states and life events that impact us. Maybe you have lost the meaning of your life, are riddled with self-hatred, or are struggling with a persistent low mood. Regardless, we are all affected at one time or another by adversity. 

​Amidst all the noise of the everyday, we rarely have a safe, warm space to sort through our thoughts, feelings and behaviours without the threat of judgement or some critical evaluation from family, friends, experts, or even ourselves descending upon us. In addition, though we may extend compassion and empathy to others, very rarely do we treat ourselves with the same level of kindness and consideration, which often generates feelings of depression, anxiety and disconnection.

I will create an environment of safety where we can fully explore what you're going through and examine how you respond to these difficulties with undivided attentiveness and sensitivity. Each session will entail working together to carefully look at your thoughts, emotions and behaviour to expand your perspective and discover new ways of engaging and resolving whatever challenges you face. Escaping pain in life is impossible; it is a fact of life. However, there are things we can do to respond constructively to it that align with our growth in a way characterised by warmth towards our person. This self-kindness is not dissimilar to how we're there for friends and family in need.

If you elect to book an appointment, I will be here to support you in utilising your therapy in a manner that works for you. We are all different; I will never forget that a no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Your therapy will be tailored to you as an individual with your own story.

More about me and my philosophy

I am a fully qualified counsellor with several years of experience as a person-centred counsellor in private practice. I earned a first-class BA in Humanistic Counselling Practice from the University of Nottingham. I have since continued honing my craft and passion. I am also a PhD candidate in counselling studies at the University of Edinburgh. My research is focused on autoethnographically exploring my experience of finding and living a part of my Self in a cisheteronormative culture. 

​As a practitioner and researcher, I'm fascinated by Carl Rogers' unconditional positive regard/self-regard and Kristin Neff's Self-Compassion in fostering psychological and interpersonal/relationship well-being. I incorporate both of these evidence-based concepts into my practice. More personally, I'm an avid reader and, in full geeky, nerdy disclosure, heavily inspired by Supergirl (the fictional superheroine from Krypton). She embodies compassion, empathy, and kindness and fights tirelessly for equality - values and goals I, too, hold in the highest regard. 

​As a person-centred therapist, I maintain there's a force in all of us seeking to actualise our innermost selves. The resources for healing, wisdom and growth lie within us, ready and waiting to be tapped. In an environment containing relational qualities such as genuineness, empathy and unconditional respect, we can enhance states such as self-awareness and self-compassion, thereby allowing us to reclaim our personal power and authentic selves. These selves have untold potential to make a loving and positive difference in the world. 

​My role as a therapist is not to fix you but to cultivate a space where we can work together to help you find yourself and embody your truth. 

What Will a Counselling Session Involve?

Each session will entail working together to explore your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences. Etc. This could involve unpacking things that have happened in the past that are still negatively impacting you in the present, such as relationship patterns that prevent you from achieving satisfactory closeness and intimacy with others. 

Gradually, you may rethink certain assumptions about yourself and relationships and apply these insights to your life in ways that make your life more fulfilling. Every session will be an opportunity to examine your world and consider new ways to approach life in a way that is more authentic to your person.

As you become more aware of yourself and your options for constructive change, you will feel more and more empowered and equipped to deal with your life in the present and future. 

Number of Sessions

I will offer as many sessions as you feel you need. We will check in and discuss your progress periodically and, depending on where you are in your therapy, go about finding a suitable ending. 

You will always be welcome to return should you wish to recommence your counselling at any point. 

Booking An Appointment

If you would like to book an opening thirty-minute consultation where we can meet one another to discuss my approach to counselling and help you determine whether you feel it's right for you, please do not hesitate to email me. I will get back to you as soon as possible.  

Concessionary rates are available for clients of low income, students, NHS workers, and those not currently in work. Concessions operate on a sliding scale; therefore, the fee will vary depending on your financial and vocational circumstances and remain open to negotiation throughout your therapy. I am more than happy to remain flexible regarding fees.